A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube that was inserted 4 days ago. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the charge nurse?
Respiratory rate 16/min
Blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg
400 mL of drainage in the collection chamber within 4 hr
Fluctuation in the water seal chamber with respiration
The Correct Answer is C
A. Respiratory rate 16/min is a normal finding. A respiratory rate of 16/min is within the expected range for adults, so it does not indicate a problem that requires immediate attention.
B. Blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg is within the normal range for blood pressure. This is an acceptable finding and does not require reporting to the charge nurse.
C. 400 mL of drainage in the collection chamber within 4 hr should be reported to the charge nurse. This is an excessive amount of drainage for a client with a chest tube. After the first few hours post-surgery, the drainage should decrease. Large amounts of drainage may indicate bleeding, and it is important to notify the charge nurse immediately to assess the situation further.
D. Fluctuation in the water seal chamber with respiration is a normal finding. It is expected for the water seal chamber to fluctuate with the client’s respirations, indicating that the chest tube is functioning properly and the system is not obstructed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Medication: The medication, erythromycin, is appropriately prescribed. No clarification is needed regarding the medication.
B. Dosage: The prescribed dosage of 500 mg is a common dose for erythromycin, and there is no indication that it needs to be clarified.
C. Time: The prescription states that the medication is to be given four times per day, but the specific times (e.g., morning, noon, evening, bedtime. are not mentioned. The nurse should clarify the exact timing to ensure proper spacing of doses and avoid interactions.
D. Route: The route is typically oral for erythromycin, and there is no indication that clarification is needed.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Verifying the amount of TPN solution the client is receiving every 4 hours is incorrect. While monitoring the TPN infusion rate is important, the rate and amount are typically verified at the start of the infusion and with each new bag change, not every 4 hours.
B. Placing the client in Sims' position for catheter insertion is incorrect. The preferred position for central venous catheter insertion is Trendelenburg or supine with a slight head turn, which helps dilate the veins and reduce the risk of air embolism.
C. Using clean technique when changing the catheter dressing is incorrect. Central venous catheter care requires sterile technique to prevent infections, including catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs).
D. Preparing the client for a chest x-ray to verify catheter placement is correct. A chest x-ray is required to confirm correct catheter placement before TPN administration to ensure the catheter tip is in the superior vena cava and to rule out complications like pneumothorax.
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